So any one who admires hand tools and hand planes in particular will want a Stanley #1. I’ve been no exception. I’ve managed to resist addiction even after all of the vices I’ve encounter. I never even decided to stop, and in most cases never really started, it just sort of fell out of favor. (well except the drinking, I still dabble in that). I’ve always been able to have a cigarette with a friend, or while having a morning coffee with a friend or co-worker as a social activity, and then not have another for months and months. But these damn hand planes……..

While antiquing in the central NY region this past week end, I stumbled upon a Type 2 or 3 Stanley #1. Now this isn’t a Cinderella story, as I paid more than $20 for it. But I also paid far less then the $700 – $1500 I typically see them going for on Ebay, so I’m particularly happy. And at the request of some friends over on HPOYD’s thread, here are some comparison photos.

If you’ve never held one of these in your hands, you just don’t understand.

Sitting next to a #8

Sitting next to a #5

Sitting next to a #4

In between a #18 and a #220

And finally next to a #100

This completes the set of having every size #1-#8 of the bench planes. Now to find the #602!